Minister for Business, Jobs and Training
Media Release
Territory Innovation Challenge - Digital Games and eSport Development Centre winner announced
26 June 2023
The Territory's first digital games and esports development centre is set to be delivered, creating a platform to develop skills which are essential to growing the Territory.
The project will be delivered by The Array, a business consortium led by Larrikin Interactive and Paspaley. The Array were selected as the winning design from 17 local, national and international entrants to the Territory Labor Government's innovation challenge.
Located in Darwin's iconic Victoria Hotel, The Array will become the Territory's centre of digital entertainment, education and innovation commercialisation.
Their three key pillars are Learn, Make and Play:
Learn: deliver the Territory's first 24/7/365 tech school of excellence.
Make: establish a base for the Territory's brightest digital creatives.
Play: create an esport broadcast centre based in Darwin attracting international talent and streaming competitive matches directly into South East Asia.
It is estimated that globally, video games and esport revenue totalled US$215.6 billion in 2021. The Asia Pacific generated about half of the global revenue in 2021.
The global industry is forecast to grow at 8.5%p.a to US$323.5 billion by 2026.
Developing a Darwin based digital games and esport development centre establishes a launch pad for Territorians into one of the world's fastest growing industries.
It also provides new pathways for Territory youth into socially and economically stronger futures.
Due to our proximity to South East Asia market the Territory is well placed for future investment in the digital games and esport industry leading to jobs and economic growth.
The design and fit-out of the Vic Hotel will commence in the coming weeks, with the centre scheduled to open in early 2024.
This development will not only activate Darwin city but reposition the iconic historical site, the Vic Hotel precinct towards a visionary high tech future facing Darwin.
